“No discussions” on Texan MotoGP, claim promoters
Added on Saturday, January 15th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
“No discussions” on Texan MotoGP, claim promoters
Motorsport promoters for the new F1 circuit in Austin have claimed that they are not in discussions with MotoGP chiefs about a Texan Grand Prix, despite suggestions from Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.
Representatives for the new circuit in Austin, Texas, have claimed that no discussions have taken place over bringing MotoGP to the new circuit, although they have admitted that motorcycle racing would be a big attraction for the venue.
Speaking at Ducati’s Wrooom event, Ezpeleta was quoted as saying early discussions had begun with the US circuit, which is due to join the F1 calendar in 2012, but US Grand Prix promoter Tavo Hellmund claimed that no such talks have taken place.
“MotoGP would be great for Texas and the fans but I haven’t had any discussions with him [Ezpeleta] about that,” U.S. Grand Prix promoter Tavo Hellmund told Statesman.com. “Everything is F1.”
Investor and land owner Bobby Epstein added, “A MotoGP championship race would be amazing for the fans and the economy. But I don’t know of any conversations.”
1993 500cc world champion Kevin Schwantz is acting as a consultant for the new Austin venue.
With two Texans, Ben Spies and Colin Edwards, on the MotoGP grid, a Grand Prix in Austin could prove to be a commercial goldmine for Dorna, who already host two Grand Prix’s in the US.
Dorna has a long-term deal to host the US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca but the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which has received mixed reviews from fans and riders, only signed a one-year contract extension for 2011.
The inaugural Indianapolis Grand Prix in 2008 was cut short by Hurricane Ike whilst last season’s race was marred by tragedy following the death of 13-year-old Peter Lenzi during an AMA-sanctioned undercard race. Several MotoGP riders have also been vocal over the safety of the circuit surface.
